Forum cites need to 'future-proof' seafarers

Forum cites need to 'future-proof' seafarers
April 9, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/09/business/maritime/forum-cites-nee...

THE Safety4SEA Manila Forum recently convened key stakeholders in the Philippine maritime industry, focusing on the critical need to future-proof the nation's seafarers amid a rapidly evolving global maritime landscape.

Discussions centered on crew management, seafarer development, and maritime safety, with prominent speakers highlighting the Philippines' commitment to its maritime professionals.

Presca Lee of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) underscored the importance of continuous learning to ensure Filipino seafarers remain competitive.

"By strengthening our education and frameworks and providing continuous learning opportunities, we ensure that our seafarers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competences necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape," Lee said.

She also expressed Marina's gratitude to Safety4SEA for fostering dialogue and collaboration, emphasizing the unified pursuit of maritime excellence, safety, and sustainability.

Marlon Rono of the Magsaysay Group provided a comprehensive overview of the current state and future of crew management. He highlighted the nation's young population and the significant number of students enrolled in maritime studies. However, he also pointed out a critical bottleneck: "Only 16 percent of the 2022-2023 graduating class were able to secure onboard training in 2023. This translates to only 36 percent of maritime graduates ultimately pursuing a seafaring career, leaving 64 percent without the opportunity to gain onboard experience."

Rono outlined challenges such as limited shipboard training slots, insufficient partnerships with shipping companies, and the high cost of training. He proposed three pillars to sustain and elevate the Filipino seafarer legacy: empowering people, embracing innovation, and leading with purpose.

Addressing market share and human factors

Lawyer Iris Baguilat of the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA) in the Philippines connected the discussion by highlighting the growth in global fleet size and the Philippines' comparatively low market share.

"Despite the increase in global fleet size by 25 percent between 2013 and 2024, the Philippines' market share in terms of actual seafarer slots is estimated to be around 14 percent," Baguilat noted. She questioned why the Philippines wasn't securing more of these opportunities, especially considering the projected global officer shortage.

Baguilat also emphasized the positive impact of technology, enhanced training, and a focus on soft skills on maritime safety, while highlighting the need to address the challenges of increased internet availability and multinational crew dynamics. "We must ensure inclusive decision-making and address communication challenges in multinational crews to maintain safety and efficiency," she concluded.
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The forum concluded with a call for continued collaboration between Marina, manning agencies, shipping companies, and the government to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities, ensuring the Philippines remains a leading force in the global maritime industry.

The forum is now in its fourth year in Manila and is organized by the Safety4Sea publication of Apo Belukas. In an earlier statement, Belukas highlighted the importance of the Philippines as a key maritime center in Southeast Asia with deep-rooted seafaring tradition and a highly skilled workforce.

Belukas emphasized the country's pivotal role in global shipping and commended the expertise, professionalism, adaptability, and cost-efficiency of Filipino seafarers.

"These attributes make them indispensable to the global maritime industry, enhancing its success and competitiveness," he said.